In any dairy operation, a lot of work goes into securing feed and formulating a ration that provides the right nutrition to the herd.
A well-formulated, consistent diet is good for a cow's rumen health and intake, ultimately resulting in higher milk production.
There are several steps to get the ration from paper to the cows and one of those steps is mixing.
Operating a mixer wagon effectively ensures that the mix consumed by each cow matches the designed formula.
A good mix is well-processed, free of inconsistencies and looks the same at the start of the feeding line as it does at the end.
For the most part, getting the most from a mixer wagon is not an expensive exercise.
With adjustments to processes, regular checks and servicing, and clear communication, the consistency of the ration can be improved.
A mixer wagon should mix in a lift and fall motion, with double-screws also moving contents in a figure-eight motion.
Space and distribution are important to allow the mix to move freely without clogging up on the sides.
During a mix, the contents should sit at least 12-15 centimetres below the rails.
Vertical mixers should be 75-95 per cent full, horizonal mixers around 70pc full, and 4-auger wagons around 75pc.
The wagon should be sitting on a level surface and loaded between screws for an even distribution of feeds. Don't mix on the move, especially up hills.
The loading sequence will also impact a machine's ability to mix.
This varies depending on the model, but the following general rules can be applied:
1. Start with long fibres such as squares or rounds of hay/straw. Breaking up bales or pre-processing these types of feeds improves mixability.
2. Then add any cottonseed or on-farm preblend
3. Follow with drier ingredients and feed additives - add lower-inclusion ingredients early in the mix.
4. Follow with any wet by-products
5. Then haylage
6. Then silage which is heavy and wet enough to move to the bottom.
7. Finish with liquids but be cautious of concentrating them in a single area. Consider adding liquids with a T-bar or at multiple points.
Consistency can be improved by using a standard mix time after the last ingredient has been added.
Be mindful that mixers require more time as they wear out.
For the most effective mix, augers should be timed and running at the speed recommended by the manufacturer.
Check the manual for details.
Most imported machines are not calibrated so this may need to be adjusted on farm.
A consistent ration requires a consistent approach.
All operators should be clear on:
- Mix sequence.
- Ingredient quantities (in measurable weights rather than "buckets" or "shovels").
- Mixing time after last ingredient.
- Feed-out times.
Run regular checks and services.
Checking the machinery and feed on a regular basis is important to identify and address issues early.
The ration should look consistent from the start to the end of delivery.
Generally, it should contain a balance of large particles (physical effective fibre), medium particles and smaller finely processed forage.
At feed out, there should be no unprocessed feed, noticeable discolorations or impurities.
- Article courtesy of Murray Dairy.
